The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia is generating buzz among car enthusiasts and critics alike. Many are quick to point out that, despite being labeled as a “crossover,” the design and dimensions of the Crown Signia align more closely with wagons like the Subaru Outback or Volvo V60 Cross Country. The Crown Signia boasts a minimal ground clearance boost and lacks the typical features associated with crossovers, such as tinted rear windows.
Regardless of its classification, the introduction of a new wagon offering from Toyota has been well-received. The Crown Signia offers a unique alternative for those seeking a spacious and versatile vehicle. It shares the platform, interior design, and standard hybrid powertrain with Toyota’s reimagined sedan, the Crown. However, the Signia has distinct differences, including increased ground clearance, height, and a shorter overall length.
One notable aspect of the Crown Signia is its name. While it doesn’t prominently display the “Signia” moniker on the car’s exterior, Chairman Akio Toyoda made a deliberate decision to elevate the Crown sub-brand’s prominence by emphasizing the “CROWN” emblem. This move aligns with Toyota’s strategy to position the Crown as their flagship sedan in the Japanese market.
Despite its name, the Crown Signia lacks the traditional features expected from a flagship sedan. The design and materials used in the interior are underwhelming and fail to convey a sense of luxury. It falls short compared to Toyota’s other offerings, such as the new 2025 Camry XLE, which offers a more refined driving experience and aesthetic appeal.
Another aspect where the Crown Signia falls behind is its powertrain. It features Toyota’s fourth-generation hybrid system, which is less refined and noisier compared to the fifth-generation system found in other Toyota models like the Camry and Prius. While it offers decent performance with 240 horsepower and respectable fuel economy, it doesn’t match the power and refinement expected from a midsize crossover or wagon.
Driving the Crown Signia on mountain roads highlighted the downsides of the older hybrid system. The revs fluctuated erratically, and the handling, although not bad, lacked a certain level of engagement. Comparatively, other crossovers in the Crown Signia’s price range, like the Mazda CX-50, provide a more enjoyable driving experience.
In terms of comfort and noise isolation, it’s difficult to make definitive judgments based on a short test drive. Toyota claims that the Crown Signia offers a quiet cabin, thanks to ample sound-deadening materials and laminated glass. However, the noise from the older hybrid powertrain remains an issue.
Moving to the interior, the Crown Signia offers a practical layout with useful features like a vertical phone charger bin and multiple USB-C ports. The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is user-friendly, especially with recent updates. However, Android Auto users may find themselves frequently switching between menus.
In terms of space and passenger comfort, the Signia performs well. Despite having slightly less rear legroom than the Crown sedan and the Venza, it offers more space compared to rivals like the Lexus NX and Volvo V60. The tall body of the Signia translates to abundant headroom and a versatile cargo space, with 25.8 cubic feet in the XLE and 24.8 cubic feet in the Limited trim.
While the Toyota Crown Signia may lack the interior quality and brand cachet associated with the Lexus NX, it provides a more spacious and budget-friendly alternative for Toyota loyalists. The Crown Signia’s competitive pricing puts it in direct competition with luxury-brand SUVs, larger mainstream-brand SUVs, and even all-electric offerings.
In conclusion, whether you label it a crossover or a wagon, the Toyota Crown Signia offers plenty of space, impressive fuel economy, and a generous list of standard features. While there may be some compromises with the older hybrid powertrain and underwhelming interior design, it remains a viable option for those seeking a practical and versatile vehicle.
